EZJ vs VYM
ProShares Ultra MSCI Japan vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EZJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EZJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.17% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +36.13% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.77% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.34% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.47% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EZJ vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra MSCI Japan (EZJ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EZJ returned +48.77% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, EZJ is up 36.13% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, EZJ compounded at +30.34% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.47% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, EZJ has the edge at +8.26% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EZJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.6% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -59.7% for EZJ and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EZJ charges 1.17% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $117 vs $4 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EZJ currently yields 1.87% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EZJ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EZJ or VYM?
EZJ has an expense ratio of 1.17% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $113 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EZJ or VYM?
Over the past year EZJ returned +48.77% vs +25.03% for VYM, so EZJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EZJ annualized +8.26% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EZJ or VYM?
EZJ has been the more volatile fund at 28.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EZJ -59.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EZJ and VYM?
EZJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EZJ and VYM?
EZJ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EZJ or VYM?
EZJ yields 1.87% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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